Samir Nasri Too Good to Let Go in Manchester City Summer Shakeup

If, as expected, Manchester City revamp their aging squad this summer, there could be a host of players exiting the club to make way for new faces.

The average age of City’s playing staff is close to 29—a situation which needs altering.

There are some—such as Micah Richards, Matija Nastasic, Alvaro Negredo and John Guidetti—who will all make permanent moves away from the club in the summer. Others, such as James Milner and Stevan Jovetic, look increasingly likely to go, with the former out of contract and the latter still hurting after his omission from the club’s Champions League squad.

Then there’s a group of players for whom the club may well be willing to listen to offers, those pushing 30 who have failed to convince this season. Edin Dzeko, who has managed just six goals this season—a career-worst tally—probably tops that list, with some City fans also feeling Samir Nasri could be another.

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Nasri, 29, has had a difficult few weeks, missing the last three league games and being taken off at half-time against Barcelona in the Camp Nou as his temper threatened to boil over, but allowing him to leave would be a mistake. He has too much quality to offer.

The Frenchman’s career had stuttered somewhat during Roberto Mancini’s final season in charge, with a series of ineffective displays driving him toward the exit door. He was spending too many matches on the periphery, failing to impact games in the way he knows he can.

Mancini grew frustrated, and Nasri was in and out of the side. A summer move in 2013 looked highly likely, but the arrival of Manuel Pellegrini saw the situation change dramatically.

Whereas Mancini was aloof and ruled with something of an iron fist, Pellegrini brought a man-management style to the Etihad. Everyone had a clean slate, an opportunity to prove to the new manager that whatever negativity had gone before was a thing of the past.

Nasri, perhaps more than any other player, benefited from the change of manager. He enjoyed a wonderful season, becoming a central part of the side that won two major trophies and scored over a century of goals. His strike in the Capital One Cup final was memorable, as was his opener against West Ham on the final day of the season as City won the Premier League.

It was a remarkable turnaround.

This season hasn’t been quite as good, particularly in recent weeks, when he has seemingly fallen out of favour. Just three goals in 28 appearances tells its own story when compared to his 12 during the previous campaign.

However, Nasri’s class means it would be foolish to sell him. He is arguably the best player in City’s squad at keeping possession, with his skill and vision his most remarkable assets. He can operate on the left or right, or through the middle as a No. 10, and he remains a hugely talented and useful player.

His link-up play with David Silva, the finest attacking midfielder in Pellegrini’s set-up, is first class, and when those two are at their best, City are at their most creative.

A reshaping of the City squad is undoubtedly needed to freshen things up, but Nasri should not be one of the players sacrificed to finance a spending spree. He adds too many moments of artistry and class to be sold just yet.

Rob Pollard is Bleacher Report's lead Manchester City correspondent and will be following the club from a Manchester base throughout the 2014-15 season. All quotes are obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Follow him on Twitter: @RobPollard.